Combined BS/MS Program | Undergraduate Computer Science at UMD

Combined BS/MS Program

To learn more about the combined B.S./M.S. degree in computer science, please visit our webpage: https://www.cs.umd.edu/grad/combined-bsms-program.

Information sessions

The CS Graduate Office hosts information sessions before each submission deadline to walk students through eligibility, the submission process, credit planning, and important dates.

Spring 2026 information session Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Please RSVP here. Attending before you submit is strongly encouraged.

Questions? Contact the CS Graduate Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, admissions are competitive; however, we have managed to accommodate/admit the majority of qualified applicants; we encourage all applicants to acquire some research experience and to submit the most robust application package they can assemble.

Can I use coursework taken abroad towards the BS/MS program?

Answer:

Study abroad courses that are listed on your transcript with a "P" grade cannot count towards graduate degrees. If your study abroad coursework is listed on your transcript with a letter grade of "B" or higher, please contact your assigned advisor for more information. TEST

Do my scholarships, like the Banneker/Key Scholarship or any extra scholarship funds carry over?

Answer:

No, scholarship funds, including the Banneker/Key Scholarship, do not carry over. Any extra or unused funds from the scholarship will not be transferred or extended.

Do recommenders need to be CS faculty?

Answer:

It’s highly recommended that at least one recommender is a tenured CS professor. Recommendations can also come from tenured professors in other fields or from supervisors in research-based internships, provided they can comment confidently on your potential in the program.

How long does the program take? How can I complete the MS program in one year?

Answer:

The MS program involves completing 30 credits. By flagging 3 courses (9 credits) for double-counting, you shorten the program length by one semester. However, to feasibly complete the MS within one-year post-BS, you should consider taking an additional graduate-credit only course during your undergraduate studies. This brings the remaining credit requirement down to 18, allowing for the completion of the program in two semesters with a load of three courses per semester.

Consult with your undergraduate studies advisor to ensure this aligns with your academic plan and doesn't hinder your undergraduate degree completion. If this path is suitable, you’ll be guided to fill out a Graduate Credit Permission form to proceed.

How many letters of recommendation are needed?

Answer:

For your initial combined BS/MS form submission, you'll need one letter of recommendation. Keep in mind, that this is separate from the formal recommendation letters required for the admission process.

When applying to the Graduate School, you are required to submit three letters of recommendation. We advise that at least two of these letters come from CS faculty members, and at least one should be from a tenure-track faculty member.

I am not involved in research. Should I still apply?

Answer:

Those without research experience can still apply, but a strong recommendation from a faculty member who plans to advise you with suitable justification for admission would be needed.

I do not see “Combined BS/MS” as an option on the application

Answer:

The Combined BS/MS program is not a formal academic program upon matriculation; however, once the Graduate School reviews and approves your Combined BS/MS form, the "Combined Bachelor's/Master's" option will become accessible for selection under "Level of Study".

Is there an academic plan that I can follow?

Answer:

Yes, please click

What courses are eligible for transfer?

Answer:

Students are permitted to take any Computer Science (CMSC) course at the 400-level or higher, excluding independent studies (CMSC499X) and special topics (CMSC498X).
Suitable 400-level (or higher) courses from Applied Mathematics & Statistics, Scientific Computation (AMSC), Mathematics (MATH), and Statistics (STAT) AMSC/MATH/STAT may also be used as substitutes.
! Please note that since CMSC412 is a 4-credit course, you can only double count two courses totaling 7 credits, as the maximum allowed cannot exceed 9 credits.

What happens after I submit my form, and how long does it take to process?

Answer:

The Combined forms are processed in batches, typically 3-4 times a month.

Next Steps After Submission:

1. Your recommender will be notified to upload their ratings and recommendation letters for departmental review.
2. The Combined form will then be sent to the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies for review and signatures.
3. Once signed, the form will be submitted to the Graduate School for final processing.

You can expect the entire process to take around two business weeks from the time of submission to when it is sent to the Graduate School. The review process will only be expedited if application deadlines are approaching.
Please refrain from requesting updates during this period.

When should I submit the combined BS/MS form, and for which semester should I apply?

Answer:

Forms must be submitted:
- After the schedule adjustment period has closed
- Before final grades are posted
- Before B.S. degree conferral
- Before entering graduate student status

No submissions are permitted after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.